No skin show for Priyanka Chopra in Babli Badmaash

Actress Priyanka Chopra

She just shot her first item number, which releases today. But in contrast to the routine item songs known for skin show and sexual innuendos, Priyanka Chopra’s track, ‘Babli badmaash’ from Shootout At Wadala will be different.

When the actor started shooting for it, she was certain that she didn’t want to go over the top in terms of showing skin. “Also, she went through multiple songs to make sure that it didn’t come across as crass,” says an insider.

Priyanka’s idea, in the wake of the rape cases in various parts of the country, was to make sure that the number “doesn’t objectify” women. “So she paid close attention to the costumes and lyrics,” adds the insider.

When contacted, producer Ekta Kapoor confirmed the news, saying, “Priyanka was particular about her appearance. She was involved in any way she could be. Our idea was to come up with a song that even children can enjoy. ‘Babli badmaash’ has a sexual undertone, but we have ensured that it isn’t crass while still maintaining the naughtiness.”

As a result, Priyanka, costume designer Manish Malhotra and director Sanjay Gupta decided on the look and feel of the song together. “They sat through many jam sessions. At that time, Sanjay came up with the idea to give her a retro look inspired by Mr Amitabh Bachchan’s style (from his hit song in Yaarana, 1981),” says Ekta.'

First look on YouTubeAs ‘Babli badmaash’ releases online, Balaji Motion Pictures has planned a unique promotional strategy. Anyone who logs on to YouTube and visits any of the premium partner channels of the film (like Sony Music India and Balaji Motion Pictures, among others), can catch Priyanka’s video from Shootout At Wadala. “It’s a classy, sexy number and we are confident of reaching maximum people through the digital medium,” says Ekta Kapoor.